Somerset

Family tribute to former Somerset man Patrick Harmon

THE sister of a former Somerset man who was killed in a three-vehicle crash in Canada has described her brother as ‘an amazing man’.

Patrick Harmon, 46, spent his teenage years in Triscombe, on the Quantock Hills, where his parents ran the Blue Ball Inn for five years.

A former West Somerset Community College student, Patrick leaves behind his wife Margaret, two children, Baily, 14, and Adam, seven, parents Ruth and Frank, sister Maria, nephew Chris and great-niece Chloee.

Speaking to the County Gazette, his sister Maria Cassidy, who lives near Taunton, said: “He was so well-respected and a big member of the church.

“He was very active in the community, a massive family man and he loved to look after people.

“Patrick suffered with dyslexia but he never let it affect him and he never moaned – he lived life to the full.”

Patrick died as a result of the injuries he suffered following an early- evening collision on a busy highway in St Thomas, about 100 miles south-west of Toronto, on November 15.

More than 600 people turned up to pay their respects at Patrick’s funeral, which was held last Thursday.

Patrick was born in Bristol and after living in Taunton, he spent time in Brighton and Trowbridge, near Bristol, before meeting his Canadian wife while working on a cruise ship.

He worked in the casinos and then in guest relations on the liner before the couple settled down with their family in the Ontario province.

Patrick was also a keen sportsman during his time in Somerset, representing youth rugby side Wiveliscombe Colts.

His other interests included being an avid reader, writer and poet along with his love for the ocean and scuba diving.

The family plan to divide Patrick’s ashes so that half can remain in Canada and the other half scattered on the Dunster coastline, which was the last place he visited while in Somerset.

They also hope to build a memorial bench in his name overlooking Dunster beach.

Comments (1)

deepest sympathy from roddy and suzy merriman at triscombe we can remember Patrick walking down the road to catch the school bus

hope the rest of the family are all well

regards roddy and suzy

deepest sympathy from roddy and suzy merriman at triscombe we can remember Patrick walking down the road to catch the school bus
hope the rest of the family are all well
regards roddy and suzywillsneck